Resolving a QTL complex for height, heading, and grain yield on chromosome 3A in bread wheat

Abstract Crop height (Ht), heading date (Hd), and grain yield (GY) are inter-related in wheat. Independent manipulation of each is important for adaptation performance. Validated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) all three co-locate on chromosome 3A the Avalon×Cadenza population, with increased Ht, Hd, GY contributed by Cadenza. We asked if these linked or pleiotropic effects using recombinant lines, showed that Ht Hd independent. The Chinese Spring equivalent to newly defined interval contained a gene cluster involved cell wall growth displaying high levels differential transcript expression. locus larger rearranged compared reference genome, but FT2 (Flowering Locus T2) particular interest. effect acted independently photoperiod vernalization, did exhibit seasonal genotype×environment interaction. Recombinants were phenotyped replicated field experiments. was most associated Cadenza alleles later supporting physiological studies same lines proposing ‘late’ at this increase spike fertility number (GN). work has uncoupled from yield, shown one very few validated QTLs wheat probably mediated phenological variation.